Wearable counting and score keeping apparatus

ABSTRACT

A wearable counting and score keeping apparatus is attachable to or integrated with an item of apparel. Scores for games played are tabulable upon the apparatus whereby a user need not write down scores but may signal a score in real time while actively involved in the game.

Be it known that I, Justin Jasiewicz, a citizen of the United States, have invented new and useful improvements in a wearable counting and score keeping apparatus as described in this specification.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Means of keeping score in games often involve a writing of some kind. Often a player carries a particular score card devised for the game at hand and tallies a score during gameplay. This requires pausing gameplay to retrieve the necessary materials and make the entry.

Wearable signaling accoutrements are seen in the art. Most are devised for signaling reminders or marking dates or other sequential events or occurrences. Most position a depending string or encircling band whereon a series of beads is moveable. However, these are not wearable in such a manner as to avoid movement during gameplay, nor to maintain position of the counters when moved to indicate a score. Further, some impede gameplay by moving upon the body or thereabouts. Others are devised to be secured to another accoutrement that is not worn during gameplay (such as a golf bag, for example). However, this removes the device from proximity when scores are achieved and necessitates an interruption in gameplay for the score achieved to be noted.

The present invention, therefore, is devised to enable wear upon apparel whereby tallying of a score is rendered expediently and without appreciably arresting gameplay. The present wearable counting and score keeping apparatus is integrated or attachable to an item of apparel whereby unobtrusive wear of the apparel enables tabulation of a score. The present apparatus is devised for comfortable and unobtrusive wear upon an item of apparel, fixed in place, to avoid disruption to any score tabulated on the apparatus during gameplay due to physical movement or activity. The apparatus is ported integrated with or attached to a garment in flush relation thereto. A user is therefore able to tabulate a score during gameplay in an accessible and convenient manner without having to remember or write anything down.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a wearable counting and score keeping apparatus, and more particularly, to a wearable counting and score keeping apparatus that is integrated with, or flushly and securably attachable to, an item of apparel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is devised to stylistically integrate with, or be attachable to, an item of sporting apparel while reducing the possibility of the apparatus impeding gameplay or misrepresenting an achieved score during gameplay. Further, the present invention is devised to be adaptable to particular games wherein scores are displayable according to the game’s particular set of points required.

Some games, for example, culminate scores through a series of events, locations, sets, rounds or games, whereby tabulation of subordinate scores comprises achievement of superordinate goals towards a win. An example is tennis (comprising games which culminate in sets and sets in a match) or golf (where each hole requires a separate tally relative to a set par value against which each player’s strokes are measured) or cards (for example, bridge, where hands are won by collecting tricks that are scored relative to bids entered at the onset of each hand). Thus, many games comprise rounds wherein separate scores or activities accrue points toward superordinate values. Keeping track of these values can be complex and typically requires writing the scores down as they occur wherein a superordinate value (and ultimately a win) can be calculated and signaled to the players.

The present invention, therefore, provides a portable means to tabulate scores, including subordinate and superordinate values as case may be, in an unobtrusive and stylish manner upon the clothing or apparel of a player. In an example embodiment herein disclosed, the wearable counting and score keeping apparatus includes a support element that is attachable to or integrated with an item of apparel, such as a pair of trousers, shorts, hat, shirt, or belt, for example. Additional items of apparel are contemplated as within scope of this invention whereupon a support apparatus may be integrated or attached. Where the present invention is attachable, the support element may include fasteners such as snaps, buttons, hook and loop fastening means, clips, rivets, magnets, or other means of securably attaching the apparatus to a corresponding item of apparel, whether removably or affixedly. The item of apparel, therefore, includes a corresponding mounting area whereat the apparatus secures or is installed at time of manufacture.

At least one longitudinal track member is disposed upon the support element, having an extent or delimit wherein translocation of at least one signal element, slidably mounted, or attachably mountable or, in some embodiments, displayable upon the track member, is enabled between at least a first position and a second position, whereby at least a change of score is recordable and signalable to the user. Thus, at least one signal element is positional or displayable upon the track member to signal a change in value as appropriate to compute or tally a score toward a win.

Various games enjoyed by humankind enable a variety of forms of the instant apparatus, wherein the number track members, their arrangement, number of corresponding signal elements, as well as the positions such signal elements may be caused to occupy in use, may vary to better accommodate such scoring values as are preferentially employed by a particular game.

In some embodiments, for example, the signal elements are slidable between various positions along the track member. In at least one example embodiment contemplated herein, each signal element is moveable transversely relative to its position upon the track member, instead of longitudinally along the track member, whereby scores may be delineated between an original position, an upper position, or a lower position relative to the track member’s longitudinal axis, for example. In some other embodiments, for example, a plurality of track members may be disposed to signal a variety of different scores, points, or other statistics (such as misses, say, or steals, for example, relative to points attained, or to present scores of opposing teams, say). In some embodiments, signal members may take on different values, such as single points, tens, or hundreds, for example. Thus, in some embodiments, one row of signal elements may correspond to single-digit integers, while a second row of signal elements may correspond to tens, for example. Thus scores from one to one hundred may be illustrated with just twenty signal elements disposed in two rows of ten, for example.

In at least one example embodiment contemplated herein, the apparatus may be disposed in wireless communication with a remotely situated peripheral device, whereby the score tabulated upon the apparatus is signaled and displayed upon the peripheral device. In another example embodiment contemplated herein, the apparatus is digitally represented upon a touchscreen support element wherein the signal elements are moved virtually to display scores and statistics in the same manner as if real-world, three dimensional signal elements were used.

For the purposes of illustration only, therefore, a number of example embodiments are set forth in the detailed description which follows, to exemplify embodiments as may be suited for particular games. The instant examples are intended to illustrate the intended scope the invention contemplated herein whereby particular elements and necessary components common to all example embodiments resolve more apprehensibly to persons of ordinary skill in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figures

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of an example embodiment wearable upon a belt.

FIG. 2 is a partial diagonal elevation view of an example embodiment disposed upon an attachable backing showing a track member having a plurality of stop members disposed to engage with each signal element when said signal element is moved thereatop.

FIG. 3A is a diagonal elevation view of an example embodiment of a signal element.

FIG. 3B is a top elevation view of an example embodiment.

FIG. 3C is a side elevation view of an example embodiment of a signal element.

FIG. 3D is a top elevation view of an example embodiment of a signal element.

FIG. 3E is a bottom elevation view of an example embodiment of a plurality of signal elements.

FIG. 3F is a rear elevation view of an example embodiment of a track member with a plurality of signal elements attached thereto.

FIG. 3G is a side elevation view of an example embodiment of a track member disposed upon a support element.

FIG. 3H is a bottom elevation view of an example embodiment of a track member having a plurality of stop members disposed to engage with each signal element when said signal element is moved thereatop.

FIG. 4A is a front elevation view of an example embodiment including a pair of clip members (shown in side elevation view) for attachment to a waistband or belt or other item of apparel of a user to which the clip member may be fastened.

FIG. 4B is a rear elevation view of a support member having a nonstick surface disposed on a rear surface thereof for resistive engagement against a belt or waistband or item of clothing to which the apparatus is attached.

FIG. 5A is a top elevation view of an example embodiment disposed for wear in a vertical orientation.

FIG. 5B is a side elevation view of an example embodiment of an attachable clip member disposed for slidable engagement with an example embodiment of a track member to supportively engage said track member upon a waistband or belt or other item of apparel to which the clip member may be fastened.

FIG. 6 is a diagonal elevation view of an example embodiment of a track member disposed upon a support element with an example embodiment of a single signal element depicted for the purposes of illustrating the means by which the said signal element is slidably attachable to, and slidably positional upon, the track member.

FIG. 7 is a diagonal elevation view of an example embodiment of a track member disposed upon an example embodiment of a support element and having a single signal element disposed thereupon for the purposes of demarking a score.

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of an example embodiment of a clip member.

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of an example embodiment wherein the track member is a belt member.

FIG. 10 is a bottom elevation view of an example embodiment wherein the track member is a belt member.

FIG. 11 is afront elevation view of an example embodiment wherein the track member is a belt member.

FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of an example embodiment of a signal element adapted for use with the track member disposed as a belt member.

FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of an example embodiment of a clip member adapted for use with the track member disposed as a belt member.

FIG. 14 is a front elevation view of an example embodiment of an attachment area disposed on the front of an item of apparel, in this example embodiment, a pair of shorts.

FIG. 15 is a rear elevation view of an example embodiment of a support element disposed for releasable attachment to the attachment area shown in FIG. 14 .

FIG. 16 is a front elevation view of an example embodiment having a plurality of track members arranged for tabulating points and/or scores.

FIG. 17 is a front elevation view of the example embodiment shown in FIG. 16 attached to the example embodiment of the support area shown in FIG. 14 .

FIG. 18 is a front elevation view of an example embodiment devised for use with a particular game, basketball.

FIG. 19 is a front elevation view of the example embodiment shown in FIG. 18 disposed attached to an attachment area, or integrated with, an item of apparel, here, a basketball shirt.

FIG. 20 is a front elevation view of an example embodiment having wireless communication capabilities to send scores tabulated on the apparatus to a participating peripheral or remote device.

FIG. 21 is a front elevation view of an example embodiment having a plurality of track members devised for keeping score or a variety of game statistics. The example embodiment shown in FIG. 21 is devised for basketball for the purposes of example only.

FIG. 22 is a bottom elevation view of an example embodiment having an outer track member disposed above and in front of an inner track member.

FIG. 23 is a diagonal elevation view of the example embodiment shown in FIG. 22 showing individualized use of each of the outer and inner track members to tabulate separate statistics being tracked in the course of a game.

FIG. 24 is a diagonal elevation view of the example embodiment shown in FIG. 23 in-use in tracking different statistics such as assists versus steals.

FIG. 25 is a front elevation view of an example embodiment attached to or integrated with a sports shirt and having a plurality of track members to tabulate various statistics throughout a game, such as “shots made,” “shots missed,” “assists,” and “steals.”

FIG. 26 is a front elevation view of an example embodiment wherein each signal element is moveable in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal axis described by the track member, whereby upper and lower positions relative to the track member may signify tabulation of data.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In all embodiments, at least one signal element is movable or displayable in association with at least one track member whereby a datum is signifiable by and to a user. The various example embodiments set forth herein are not intended to limit the present invention, therefore, but to show how the various elements common to all embodiments may be disposed in fulfilling the intended objective of the invention. Thus, whether the invention is employed virtually (as a digital version depicting like elements associable in digital display) or as a real world three-dimensional object, the invention is devised for portability and accessibility for tabulating scores and statistics by a user during gameplay.

FIG. 1 , therefore, illustrates a front elevation view of an example embodiment attached to a belt 100. Clip members 70 releasably secure support element 20 to belt 100 (not to scale for the purposes of illustration). Track member 22 is disposed longitudinally upon support element 20 and runs parallel with belt 100. Slidable signal elements 50 are moveable along, and delimited by, track member 22. Relative positions of the signal elements 50 along track member 22, therefore, may tally and display a score (or other quantitative statistic).

FIG. 2 is a diagonal elevation detail view of the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , including pips 24 by which signal elements 50 are secured into a relative position along the length of track member 22. Pips 24 may engage into rearward portions of signal elements 50 and serve to secure signal elements 50 in position so that each signal element 50, once moved to a particular position, is not readily dislodged during gameplay.

FIG. 3A illustrates an example embodiment of a signal element 50 in diagonal elevation view. In this example embodiment, signal element 50 is a generally C- or U-shaped member devised for slidable engagement upon track member 22. Track member 22 is configured to present engagement edges 26 upon which signal element 50 engages. See, e.g., FIG. 3G. Signal element 50 includes a track-receiving portion 52 disposed between ends configured to engage upon track member. See also FIG. 3C, showing the signal element 50 in side elevation view. FIG. 3B illustrates the example embodiment of signal element 50 shown in FIG. 3A disposed serried among a plurality of signal elements 50 upon track member 22. Track member 22 is illustrated with dotted lines to illustrate its position behind signal elements 50. FIG. 3E illustrates the signal elements 50 serried upon track member 22 in bottom elevation view.

FIG. 3F illustrates a rear elevation view of the example embodiment shown in FIG. 3B showing ends of signal members 50 engaged over track member edges 26. FIG. 3H is a bottom elevation view of an example embodiment of track member 22, having pips 24 disposed thereupon along the length of track member 22 to releasable secure signal members 50 in relative position when moved to engage with each of said pips 24.

FIG. 4A illustrates a front elevation view of an example embodiment of the apparatus 10. Clip members 70, also shown in side elevation view, secure the apparatus 10 to a hem, waistband, or belt of a user. FIG. 4B also illustrates a rear elevation view of support element 20 whereon track member 22 is mounted. In some embodiments rear surface of support element 20 may include nonslip means to prevent lateral displacement when the apparatus 10 is worn upon a belt or waistband or other item of apparel, as case may be. In the example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4B, corresponding hook and loop fastening may also be disposed upon the rear side of support element 20 and an attachment area 40 disposed upon the item of apparel (see, e.g., FIG. 14 for example of an attachment area 40 disposed upon an item of apparel). Magnetic means of attachment are also contemplated as within scope of this example embodiment.

FIG. 5A illustrates a front elevation view of an example embodiment disposed for vertical orientation. FIG. 5B illustrates a side elevation view of an example embodiment of a clip member.

FIG. 6 illustrates a diagonal elevation view of an example embodiment where track member 22 is integrated with support element 20. Pins 30 may assist attachment of support element 20 to clips 70 or other fastening means. An example embodiment of a single signal element 50 is shown, capable of slidably mounting upon track member 22. FIG. 7 illustrates the example embodiment shown in FIG. 6 with the signal element 50 mounted in a starting position upon track member 22. In this example embodiment, a plurality of evenly spaced pips 24 demarks a corresponding value as signal member 50 is moved along track member 22. FIG. 8 illustrates an example embodiment of a clip member 70 devised for releasable attachment to a hem, waistband, or belt, for example. In this example embodiment, clip member 70 may be set against the action of a spring 72 whereby ends 74 are sprung closed when not forced apart. Clip member 70 may therefore readily be attached to a hem, waistband, belt, or other portion of apparel, to secure support element 20 in place during gameplay.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example embodiment of a clip member 70 adapted for use with a track member 22 disposed as a band or belt member. FIG. 10 illustrates a bottom elevation view of this example embodiment. Signal members 50 are disposed upon a track member 22 that is tautly maintained between clip members 70. Clip members 70 are securable to a hem, waistband, belt, or other suitable portion of apparel. Signal members 50 are moveable along track member 22 in like capacity as already described, the different embodiment notwithstanding.

FIG. 11 illustrates a front elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 . FIG. 12 illustrates a side elevation view of an example embodiment of a signal element 50, here disposed as a square-hoop for slidable engagement along track member 22 disposed as a band or belt member as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 . FIG. 13 illustrates a side elevation view of an example embodiment of a clip member 70 devised for use with the example embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 . Similar to clip member 70 shown in FIG. 8 , clip member 70 may be sprung against separation of ends 74 of its articulated parts to maintain clip member 70 towards a closed position when ends 74 are not forced apart.

FIG. 14 illustrates a front elevation view of an attachment area 40 disposed integrated with an item of apparel, here shown, for the purposes of example only, as a pair of shorts 102. Attachment area 40 presents corresponding attachment means 42 (s. a. hook and loop, buttons, snaps, or other corresponding attachment means) by which rear side of support element 20, as shown in FIG. 15 , for example, releasably secures.

FIG. 16 illustrates a front elevation view of the example embodiment shown in FIG. 15 . In this example embodiment, a plurality of track members 22 is disposed upon the support element 20 to enable tabulation of a variety of scores or statistics. Each row may be assigned a different value. Thus, in the game of golf, for example, a particular hole’s strokes can be recorded and an overall tally may be enumerated upon track members 22 disposed in another column. In another example use, the top row in one column may correspond to single digit integers, and the second row to tens. The third row may signal games won. The second column may duplicate the series for an opposing team, for example.

FIG. 17 shows the example embodiment of FIG. 16 in front elevation view in use upon an item of apparel 102. FIG. 18 illustrates a front elevation view of an example embodiment with track members 22 disposed in vertical orientation for use in playing basketball. Each team is represented by two columns. Team A’s score is tabulated by single digit integers being represented by one of the columns and the other column representing tens. Team B’s score is tabulated in like capacity. Additional signal elements 50 are contemplated, such as a row, say, underneath each column to indicate one-hundreds. In all embodiments, signal elements 50 may comprise different colors to showcase particular values associated with the said signal elements.

FIG. 19 illustrates the example embodiment shown in FIG. 18 integrated with or attached to an attachment area 40 upon a sports shirt 104. Such a shirt 104 could be worn by a referee or a player.

FIG. 20 illustrates a front elevation view of an example embodiment disposed in wireless communication with a remotely situated peripheral device 500 whereby scores tabulated upon the apparatus 10 are displayed upon the peripheral device 500 in real time. Further, the example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 20 is contemplated in the alternative to represent a digital version of the exemplary embodiment, wherein the apparatus 10 is displayed graphically upon a lightweight, potentially bendable, touchscreen with memory capacity to store and display the values (and present different arrangement of parts for different games). Light emitting diodes (LEDs) could likewise be used as signal elements wherein a value is signified by an illumination of a corresponding LED (not shown).

FIG. 21 illustrates a front elevation view of another example embodiment, here represented again for use in basketball wherein each row is used to tabulate a count of a different event (here shown as “shots made,” “shots missed,” “assists,” and “steals”). Again, it is contemplated that any such embodiment as depicted herein or reasonably within scope of the general intend inferable by persons of ordinary skill in reference to this specification, may be digitally derived and/or disposed in wireless communication with peripheral devices whereby scores are digitally displayable in real time when tabulated by a user upon the apparatus.

FIG. 22 illustrates an example embodiment wherein a plurality of track members is disposed as an outer track member 32 and an inner track member 34. This embodiment occupies a smaller area upon an item of apparel and is able to itemize value sets between the outer and inner track members 32, 34 (as with two columns or rows). FIGS. 23 and 24 illustrate the example embodiment of FIG. 22 in use, with outer and inner track members being used to tabulate different events (FIG. 23 , for example, shows “shots made” versus “shots missed” and FIG. 24 shows “assists” versus “steals”).

FIG. 25 illustrates a front elevation view of another example embodiment disposed attached to or integrated with a sports shirt 104. FIG. 26 illustrates a front elevation view of an example embodiment wherein the signal elements 50 are moveable within a transverse plain relative to the track member 22 to signify a datum by occupying a position either extended upwards or downwards relative to the track member 22 which longitudinal axis serves as a base line. Thus additional values may be attached to each signal element 50 in consequence of whichever position said signal element 50 occupies.

It should be recognized by persons of skill in the art that although the signal elements herein are shown as moveable elements disposed or displayed upon a track member, illuminable or displayable embodiments are contemplated as within scope of this invention. In such embodiments, signal elements may comprise light emitting diodes (LEDS) for example and may signal a value by illuminating upon the track member. Additionally, the track member may include illuminable sections which are illuminated when a value is represented in such illuminable section. Thus electric versions of the present invention are contemplated as within scope of the present disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A wearable counting and score keeping apparatus attachable or integrated with an item of apparel, said apparatus comprising: a support element attachable to or integrated with the item of apparel; and at least one signal element displayable upon the at least one longitudinal track member to indicate a score or tally between at least a first position and a second position.
 2. The wearable counting and score keeping apparatus attachable to or integrated with an item of apparel of claim 1 further comprising: at least one longitudinal track member disposed upon the support element; wherein the at least one signal element is operationally coupled with and positional upon, attachable to, or displayable upon the at least one longitudinal track member to indicate a score or tally between at least a first position and a second position.
 3. The wearable counting and score keeping apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a plurality of signal elements wherein a score is countable by movement or display of each of the plurality of signal elements from one end of the longitudinal track member to the other.
 4. The wearable counting and score keeping apparatus of claim 2 wherein a score is representable by movement of the at least one signal element between a series of positions, each of the series of positions indicative of a particular score.
 5. The wearable counting and score keeping apparatus of claim 3 wherein the at least one track member includes a plurality of track members disposed to tally subordinate scores within games and superordinate scores comprising games won or lost toward an ultimate win.
 6. The wearable counting and score keeping apparatus of claim 1 wherein the support element is stitched or riveted or otherwise affixed to the item of apparel.
 7. The wearable counting and score keeping apparatus of claim 2 wherein the support element is attachable to a belt for wear upon the waist of a user.
 8. The wearable counting and score keeping apparatus of claim 5 wherein the plurality of track members are arranged in columns.
 9. The wearable counting and score keeping apparatus of claim 5 wherein the plurality of track members are arranged with an outer track member disposed anteriorly in front of an inner track member disposed.
 10. A wearable counting and score keeping apparatus attachable to or integrated with an item of apparel, said apparatus comprising: a flexible, parallelepiped support element attachable to or integrated with the item of apparel; at least one longitudinal track member disposed upon the support element; and at least one signal element operationally coupled with or positional, attachable, or displayable upon the at least one longitudinal track member to indicate a score or tally between at least a first and a second position.
 11. The wearable counting and score keeping apparatus of claim 10 wherein each of the at least one signal elements are generally flat or parallelepiped bands or partial bands configured to be slidable upon the at least one track member while presenting a minimal and unobtrusive profile.
 12. The wearable counting and score keeping apparatus of claim 11 wherein the at least one longitudinal track member includes at least one pip disposed thereupon to releasably secure the at least one signal element in position relating to acquisition of a point or to demark a score.
 13. The wearable counting and score keeping apparatus of claim 10 wherein the support element is releasably securable to an attachment area disposed upon the item of apparel.
 14. The wearable counting and score keeping apparatus of claim 13 where in the support element releasably attaches to the attachment are by action of any one of: hook and loop fasteners; buttons; clips; magnets; or snaps.
 15. The wearable counting and score keeping apparatus of claim 1 wherein the signal elements are illuminable upon the support element.
 16. The wearable counting and score keeping apparatus of claim 2 wherein the support element is disposed in wireless communication with an existing peripheral device whereby tabulation upon the apparatus is communicated and displayed upon the existing peripheral device.
 17. The wearable counting and score keeping apparatus of claim 15 wherein the support element is disposed in wireless communication with an existing peripheral device whereby tabulation upon the apparatus is communicated and displayed upon the existing peripheral device.
 18. The wearable counting and score keeping apparatus of claim 2 wherein each of the at least one signal elements is moveable within a transverse plain relative to the at least one track member wherein each of the at least one signal elements is moveable between at least: a lower position downwardly projected upon the track member; a neutral position, upon the track member; and an upper position, upwardly projected upon the track member. 